Case disposed of in 8 months, SC awards 35 yrs jail to rapist

In one of the most expeditious disposals of a criminal case, judicial proceedings starting from trial to top court in a rape case of a minor ended within eight months with the Supreme Court today sentencing the convict to a minimum of 35 years jail term without remission.
Holding it is an exemplar of expeditious justice in a country of chronic delay in judicial proceedings, the apex court said, "We expect such prompt disposal of cases specifically in cases of such grave nature."
"We would like to note with appreciation that in the instant case investigation and all judicial proceedings up to this court stood concluded in less than 8 months from the date of incidence. Thus, it is an exemplar of expeditious justice in country of chronic delay by smooth functioning of investigating agency, courts and the members of legal fraternity," a bench headed by Justice B S Chauhan said.

The bench in this case, however, commuted the death sentence to life imprisonment with a rider that the convict will serve a minimum of 35 years in jail before his case will be considered for pre-mature release.
"We are of the view that in spite of the fact that the appellant had committed a heinous crime and raped an innocent, helpless and defenceless minor girl who was in his custody, he is liable to be punished severely but it is not a case which falls within a category of rarest of rare cases.
"Hence, we set aside the death sentence and award life imprisonment. The appellant must serve a minimum of 35 years in jail without remission, before consideration of his case for premature release. However, it would be subject to clemency power of the executive," the bench said.